A gazebo is usually a tented roofed structure held up by poles and openings. However, a gazebo is also used to refer to round wooden structures that are also known as bandstands or pagoda style structures.
Wooden gazebos are also known as permanent gazebos as tented gazebos are often only used temporarily for things such as parties or keeping cool during the summer as they’ll struggle to stay up in harsh winter winds.
Due to their temporary nature and easy set up, tented gazebos tend to be referred to as pop-up gazebos.
Additionally there are also metal gazebos to consider.
What is the purpose of a gazebo?
Gazebos can be really useful rain or shine, protecting you from the sunshine by providing some shade or keeping you dry in rainfall.
Pop-up gazebos are also great for parties providing cover for all your guests and extra space outside your house which you might not mind as much getting a bit messy. Knowing how unreliable British weather is, shouldn’t stop you from planning any outdoor events.
Our gazebos are made from PVC coated polyester for their roofs and sidewalls making them fully waterproof and a stylish refuge.
Pop-up gazebos are great as they can be moved around easily and put away at your convenience, they normally need to be set up on grass so they can be pegged in so are perfect for a picnic.
However, if you’re looking for shade to cover your patio or garden shade you can attach to a wall an option such as an awning might be better for you. On the blog we have lots more advice available for awnings.
Can a gazebo have walls?
Yes, both types of gazebo wooden or tented styles can have walls, as long as they have an opening to use. Wooden gazebos tend to have wooden railings but might have full walls across some of the structures sides.
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the roofs. Pergolas normally have slatted roofs, often these are used to drape climbing plants around.
Gazebos have solid roofs. Wooden gazebos do often have trellis-style railings which are ideal for growing climbing roses up, to make your wooden gazebo a pretty and romantic setting.
What is the difference between a pavilion and a gazebo?
Pavilions are long, rectangular wooden buildings often used to provide a shelter for dining sets or patios below. Gazebos tend to be more standalone and wooden gazebos are octagonal or circular in structure.
What is the difference between a marquee and a gazebo?
A marquee tends to be for larger or more commercial purposes, they’re usually rented out but are available to buy. Marquees are used for events such as large parties, outdoor discos and professional events. Marquees also always have walls.
What is a pagoda?
A pagoda is similar to a wooden gazebo. Originating from East Asian, it’s a tiered structure with each tier having an overhanging roof or eaves. They’re common in Nepal, China, India, Japan, Korea and Vietnam and most pagodas in these locations do have a religious function.
They’re common in Europe in Japanese gardens incorporated with cherry blossom and koi ponds although they’re usually not as tall as some of those in Asia.
What is a cupola?
A cupola is very similar in structure to a wooden gazebo but will have a domed roof, often used to provide light or air within the structure. Sometimes it just refers to the dome and no other part of the structure.
How to maintain a gazebo
Wooden gazebos must be treated regularly, for more information on treating wooden structures check out our guide on maintaining wooden furniture, which will have useful but not completely applicable information to assist you in maintaining your wooden gazebo.
For all other gazebos it’s as simple as a little bit of soapy water to give it a wipe down and then allowing it to dry.
How to decorate a gazebo
There are many different ways you can decorate a gazebo to add some more interest to the space. Get it party ready with loads of advice on our how to decorate a gazebo post.
Header Photo by Marina Abrosimova on Unsplash
Pavilion Photo by Andre Benz on Unsplash
Cupola Photo by Tim Scalzo on Unsplash